State-of-the-art CT Scanners to arrive at the QEH

Patient treatment will be enhanced thanks to doctors benefitting from high quality images when two state-of-the-art CT scanners are installed at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The hospital will be replacing its existing scanners, which are 10-years-old with Toshiba Aquilion Prime systems as part of an exciting renovation project.

Enhanced 3D X-ray images are taken by the new scanners to help doctors with diagnosis and treatment plans.

The existing scanners are becoming unreliable as they are approaching the end of their working life. The expected working life of a CT Scanner is seven years.

While the renovation work is being undertaken, patients will be having their scans in a temporary unit, which is located near the Breast Care Unit, from Monday, February 13.

The trailer, which was used in the London 2012 Olympics, and its brand new scanner was brought in by a 350 tonne crane on Sunday.

Chief Executive Dorothy Hosein said: “This hospital is committed to providing high quality patient care, so it is vital that our doctors have the best possible images while making a diagnosis or deciding a treatment plan.

“CT scanners play an important part in treating stroke and emergency patients which arrive daily at the hospital. Without this equipment, our patients would have to be diverted to other hospitals, which would be inappropriate when time is of the essence.

“This project will cost £1.2million but by supporting projects such as this, we are investing in the future of the hospital, along with ensuring the best possible treatment for our patients for years to come.”

CT Scans, which are also referred to as CAT Scans, take detailed images within the body using X-rays and computers.

The hospital’s existing scanners are very well used and take around 18,000 studies a year, and demand for this service has risen over the years.

The new scanners harness the latest technology to capture indepth images. Another important feature is that they are able to provide quality images previously degraded by metal medical apparatus, such as hip replacements.

The existing scanners will be taken apart over the coming weeks before the rooms will be totally redecorated ahead of the installation of the new equipment.

Radiology Consultant and Clinical Lead for Radiology Dr Sarah Fleming says this is an important development for the department.

She said: “At the end of this project we are going to have two fantastic scanners, which will last the hospital, and most importantly our patients, for the next decade.

“The new scanners will be able to improve diagnostics by offering greater capabilities than our previous units.”